San Diego FC’s Inaugural MLS Match Marred by Discrimination
San Diego FC’s first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) match against St. Louis City FC on Saturday was a historic occasion that, unfortunately, was marred by a disturbing incident of discrimination. The match, which ended in a goalless draw, saw a segment of the home crowd engaging in homophobic chants directed at St. Louis City FC’s goalkeeper, Roman Burki. The chants, which included the offensive slur "puto," were clearly audible whenever Burki took a goal kick, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere in the Snapdragon Stadium.
The Chants and the Club’s Immediate Response
The use of the slur "puto," which is a derogatory term for a male prostitute and often used to criticize masculinity, is not new in Mexican Spanish contexts. However, its appearance in a professional soccer match in San Diego was a significant step backward in the sport’s efforts to promote inclusivity and respect. The situation escalated to the point where the stadium’s announcer addressed the crowd over the PA system, warning that the match could be suspended if the chants continued. The club also displayed a message on the big screen, emphasizing that discrimination has no place in their sport or their stadium. The message read: "Discrimination has no place in our sport and in our stadiums and will not be tolerated. The fan chant that was just used is offensive and we ask that fans do not continue to use this chant. Thank you."
Coach Mikey Varas’s Strong Stance
Following the match, San Diego FC head coach Mikey Varas was unequivocal in his condemnation of the chants. He stated, "The chant that was heard tonight is unacceptable. It’s outside of our value system. It doesn’t represent the players, myself, or the club, and it certainly doesn’t represent San Diego or Baja California. It’s not a reflection of who we are. We’re a community full of love, of support, and we believe in the power of diversity." Varas emphasized that the chants did not come from the club’s main supporter group, La Frontera, but from a more general section of the crowd. Despite this, he made it clear that such behavior is not welcome and that those who continue to engage in it should not attend matches.
Sporting Director Tyler Heaps’s Commitment to Change
Sporting director Tyler Heaps echoed Varas’s sentiments, adding, "It’s totally against our values as a club, but also who we are as people. One of our core values is to be a good person, and I think that’s what we’ll continue to stand behind. It’s totally unacceptable, and obviously, as a club, we’ll make sure it does not continue into the future." Heaps’s comments underscore the club’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, players, and staff. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for stronger measures to combat discrimination in sports, particularly in environments where such behavior has historical roots.
St. Louis City FC’s Goalkeeper and the Broader Impact
Roman Burki, the target of the chants, has had a storied career. He joined St. Louis City FC in 2022 after a seven-year stint at Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, where he won the DFL-Pokal twice and the DFL-Supercup. Since moving to the United States, he helped St. Louis City FC win the Western Conference regular season in 2023. The incident at Snapdragon Stadium is likely to have a significant impact on Burki and the broader soccer community. It serves as a stark reminder that while progress has been made in promoting inclusivity, there is still a long way to go.
San Diego FC’s Prospects and New Talent
Despite the off-pitch drama, San Diego FC has been bolstering its squad with some high-profile signings. The team has added former Napoli star Hirving Lozano, Manchester United prospect Paddy McNair, and Nottingham Forest winger Alex Mighten. Lozano, a well-known Mexican attacker, and McNair, a former Manchester United youngster, bring a wealth of experience and talent to the team. McNair, in particular, has been vocal about his commitment to making a "good experience" out of his move to the United States, countering any perceptions that it is a holiday destination. The addition of these players, along with the club’s strong stance against discrimination, signals a promising future for San Diego FC as it continues to build its identity in the MLS.
